Making school a real family affairThree generations graduate from Washington High School

June 15, 2006

There was never a question that 18-year-old Aris Lee would graduate from Washington High School. He had no choice. It is a family thing. His mother and father, Karla and Tommy Lee, and grandfather, Decator Smith, all graduated from Washington. His grandfather graduated in 1963 and his parents in 1984. "It's indescribable," Aris said about having three generations of Washington graduates in the family. Aris got his diploma at graduation ceremonies Sunday. "I felt honored as I walked across the stage," he said. "I come from a long line of successful people in my family. It's a bond that holds us together and each generation has something to give to the other." For Aris, who plans to attend Indiana University South Bend and later go into law enforcement, succeeding in the classroom did not come without hard work. "We sat around the table many nights helping him get his work done for school," said Karla, who is assistant principal at Edison Intermediate Center. "That family time is important -- and constantly reminding him how important education is to his success." Tommy, who is a loan officer at Teachers Credit Union in South Bend, said it is crucial for parents to spend time with their children. "We have two other sons (Stephon and Amani) and I made sure I spent quality time with each of them," Tommy said. "I found that the teachers that Aris really liked he did very well in their class, but others he had to work extra hard in. "The good thing is things started to click for him and he's headed to college, and we are so proud of him." Karla and Tommy have been sweethearts since the seventh grade. After they were married, they looked for housing near Washington High School, and wound up buying right behind the school on Woodhill Drive. Decator Smith, Karla's father, grew up in the "lake area" too. Smith said his grandson has done well and raised the expectations. "What I remember most about Washington High was that it has always been strong on discipline," Smith said. "It wasn't that difficult for my grandson to succeed because his parents did a great job with him. The are very supportive of him." Aris conceded that he found the curriculum hard at times, but said graduating from high school was important to him and he surrounded himself with positive friends. "It can help you get ahead in life and go to the college of your choice," he said of getting a diploma. Before he goes off to IUSB this fall, Aris offers this bit of advice to students still in high school: "It feels great to graduate high school," Aris said. "Try your best and never give up on yourself."Staff writer May Lee Johnson: mjohnson@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6326 May Lee Johnson Tales from the West Side May Lee Johnson is a Tribune staff writer.